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The original was posted on /r/tifu by /u/CraigJSmith-Himself on 2025-07-10 21:49:03+00:00.
For a while now, I've been feeling flushed in the face, with a ruddy complexion. My face has felt hot, prickly, and I've had a very stuffy nose, as if I'm allergic to something.
Let's flash back to last April...
In April last year I was prescribed Fluoxetine (Prozac) due to an ongoing mental health situation, and it seemed to work for me.
My mood was elevated, my temper suppressed, everything seemed to be going fine.... Until...
I began a new relationship, and everything seemed very good. The connection was immaculate, the vibes were good, the petting was heavy. However, I begun to notice that things weren't biologically "rising" in the way that they should. I initially chalked it up to being in my late 30s, and that these things might take some time.
However, this problem persisted, and in July last year, I spoke with my General Practitioner, who provided me with a prescription for Sildnelafil (Viagra for the layman). 100mg of which, I should take.
I proceeded to take the little blue, circular 100mg tablet every morning, alongside my vitamins and normal pills of the day. Things were never better.
My sex life was enviable, I begun to feel energy like I haven't felt since my teens, and my general motivation and drive seemed at an all-time high...
Until the 3rd or 4th week, that is.
A colleague said to me, "Hey, looks like you've been laid out in the sun too long. ". "Don't think so... " I responded, hurrying off to consult a mirror, to see that my visage was bright, blotchy red.
I chalked it up to sunburn, or an allergic reaction.... For nearly a whole year. Trying different creams, lotions and antihistamines to try and quell the redness. All the while experiencing tremendous tumescence (not to brag, or anything).
I finally booked in with a different GP, with hopes of seeing a dermatologist, to curb the red-faced woes.
"You've been collecting a prescription for Sildelnafil every month for a year.", he says, upon looking at my file. "Yeah?" I question. "You must have a big backstock by now!" The doctor says. "Are you flirting with me, doc?" I reply. "Surely you aren't in need of them every day." the doctor responds.
And then it all became clear. These aren't a daily medication at all. They're to be used "As and when required."
For those who don't know, Sildnelafil (Viagra) causes one's blood vessels to open more readily. Causing more plentiful erections, but also, flushing, sinus stuffiness, higher heart rate and a multitude of other symptoms which could be attributed to other things.
TL:DR I took Viagra for nearly a year because I thought it was a daily drug, not something you should take when you need it, and I ended up with a red face (both literally and metaphorically).